How to Clean Shoes from the Thrift Store: Step by Step

Every pair of thrifted shoes needs a proper cleaning before it goes anywhere near your feet. Here is exactly how to do it for every material type.

I have cleaned hundreds of pairs of thrifted shoes over the past four years — for myself, for family members, and for resale. The process is straightforward once you know what works for each material, and the supplies cost less than a single new pair of shoes. Learning how to clean shoes from the thrift store properly is the difference between secondhand shoes that feel gross and secondhand shoes that feel like yours. For broader secondhand strategies, check our Thrift and Resale Fashion hub.

Cleaning Leather Thrift Store Shoes

Leather is the easiest material to restore and the most rewarding. Start by removing the laces and any existing insoles — the insoles go straight in the trash and get replaced with new ones. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt. For ground-in grime, use a small amount of saddle soap on a soft cloth, working in circular motions. Rinse the cloth and wipe away the soap residue.

Once the leather is clean and dry, apply a Leather Conditioner For Shoes on Amazon. This is the step that transforms thrifted leather from dull and stiff to supple and alive. Work the conditioner into the leather with a soft cloth, let it absorb for fifteen minutes, then buff with a clean dry cloth. The difference is dramatic — I have taken shoes that looked ready for the trash and restored them to a presentable condition in twenty minutes.

For scuffs and color loss on dress shoes, a matching shoe cream fills in scratches and evens out the color. Apply with a cloth, let it dry, then buff to a shine. A final coat of shoe polish adds protection and luster. Total cost for all supplies: about $25, and the kit lasts for dozens of pairs.

Cleaning Canvas and Fabric Shoes

Canvas shoes like Converse, Vans, and Keds handle a washing machine cycle without issue. Remove the laces and insoles first. Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to prevent them from banging around. Wash on cold with a mild detergent — no bleach, even on white shoes, as it weakens the canvas fibers over time.

Air dry only. Never put canvas shoes in the dryer — the heat warps the rubber sole and can shrink the canvas. Stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain shape while they dry. In warm weather, they will be ready in six to eight hours. In cooler weather, give them overnight.

For stubborn stains on white canvas, make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (equal parts), apply with a toothbrush, scrub gently, and let it sit for thirty minutes before rinsing. I have rescued seemingly ruined white Converse with this method multiple times.

Cleaning Suede and Nubuck Shoes

Suede requires a completely different approach — no water, no soap. Start with a suede brush, working in one direction to lift dirt and restore the nap. For scuff marks, a suede eraser (a crepe rubber block) removes surface marks without damaging the texture. These two tools handle 90 percent of suede cleaning needs.

For water stains on suede — which are common on thrifted pieces — dampen the entire shoe lightly and evenly with a spray bottle, then stuff with paper and let it dry. This sounds counterintuitive, but evening out the moisture eliminates the water line. Once dry, brush the nap back up with the suede brush.

After cleaning, apply a Suede Protector Spray on Amazon to guard against future stains and water damage. One application lasts several weeks under normal wear conditions. Reapply after any heavy rain exposure.

Sanitizing the Interior

Interior sanitization is non-negotiable for secondhand shoes. Spray the inside of every pair with a disinfectant shoe spray or a light mist of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, 70 percent). Let it air out completely — at least two hours, preferably overnight. Then insert new insoles. I buy multipacks of memory foam insoles and cut them to fit. Cost per pair: about $3.

For persistent odor, sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes, let it sit overnight, and shake it out the next morning. This absorbs odor without leaving a chemical smell. Cedar shoe trees also help absorb moisture and odor between wears, and they maintain the shoe’s shape.

The Verdict

Cleaning secondhand shoes is a low-effort, low-cost process that makes thrifted footwear genuinely wearable. Leather gets conditioner, canvas gets the washing machine, suede gets a brush, and everything gets new insoles and a sanitizing spray. A $25 investment in cleaning supplies covers dozens of pairs. Do not skip any of these steps — the cleaning is what transforms a thrift store find into a shoe that feels like your own. For more on buying secondhand footwear, see our Thrift Store Shoes buying guide and our Thrift Store Cowboy Boots walkthrough.

FAQ

Can you put thrift store shoes in the washing machine?

Only canvas and fabric shoes. Use a mesh bag, cold water, and mild detergent. Never machine wash leather, suede, or shoes with glued soles — the water and agitation will damage them. Air dry all machine-washed shoes; never use a dryer.

How do you get the smell out of secondhand shoes?

Remove and discard old insoles, spray the interior with disinfectant or rubbing alcohol, sprinkle baking soda inside overnight, and insert new insoles. Cedar shoe trees help with ongoing odor prevention. If the smell persists after all of this, the shoes are not worth keeping.

Is it safe to wear shoes from a thrift store?

Yes, with proper cleaning and sanitization. Replace the insoles, disinfect the interior, and clean the exterior. Fungal transmission is the primary concern, and a thorough sanitization addresses it. The process takes less than an hour and costs a few dollars per pair.